Recommendation points
- The first reason is free fertilization
- The second reason is protection against freezing
- Reason three – protection of earthworms and insects
- The fourth reason is moisture retention
- The fifth reason is the protection of soil from erosion
The good news for those who are tired of picking up heaps of fallen leaves in their garden every fall – they now have good reasons not to do it. Yes, our tips site will give you five reasons why you shouldn’t clean up litter left under trees. There are many supporters of this approach..
The main argument given by summer residents who do not remove fallen leaves in their gardens is that no one does this in the wild! In the forests, foliage lies quietly, gradually becoming part of the soil. And everything is fine, the plants are comfortable. So why not follow the example of nature itself, leaving the garden alone until spring? Indeed, it is logical.
Important! Garden paths, the yard and the entrance to it must be removed from the foliage in any case. On asphalt, tiles, concrete and other street surfaces, there is still no sense from the leaves, and the site will look neglected. So grab your broom or blower and get to work!
The first reason is free fertilization
Fallen leaves are organic matter that contains useful substances – nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus – stretched from the soil by trees. Decaying, the leaves give it all back to the ground. Why waste such free, natural fertilizer? If you leave litter, then after a few years the soil in the garden will become darker, friable, and moist. The changes will be clearly visible, believe me.
The second reason is protection against freezing
The leaves will become a natural carpet that protects plant roots and soil from winter frosts. Fallen seeds and grass will be kept under a cushion of leaves.
Reason three – protection of earthworms and insects
A variety of insects will winter in a litter of fallen leaves. Decaying foliage will be an excellent food for earthworms, which are essential for soil fertility. In addition, birds, the natural defenders of your garden from pests, will feed on insects from the leaves. Therefore, by leaving litter in your garden, you actually save a whole ecosystem, a population of numerous insects and birds, as well as animals – moles and hedgehogs that feed on earthworms.
The fourth reason is moisture retention
The soil will stay moist longer under the fallen leaves. It is a natural mulch that protects the soil from the sun’s rays. In the spring, during the melting of the snow, the earth, which did not freeze thanks to the foliage, will immediately begin to absorb moisture and transfer it to the roots of plants.
The fifth reason is the protection of soil from erosion
A dense crust will not form on the ground under the carpet of leaves, oxygen will calmly get to the roots of plants through the loose litter. In addition, foliage will protect the soil from erosion..
Now you have a response to your neighbors who will be surprised by your decision not to remove the foliage from the garden. You are not lazy! You just follow the advice of environmentalists, who in recent years have required public utilities to leave leaves in city gardens and squares. And at the same time you save a lot of time and effort by giving up almost daily foliage harvesting.
And what to do with the leaves that you removed from the lawn and paths, the portal has already described in detail.
Why should I avoid picking fallen leaves in my garden? Are there any negative effects or potential drawbacks that I should be aware of?
Why should I not pick fallen leaves in my garden?
Leaving fallen leaves in your garden can actually benefit the ecosystem in several ways. Fallen leaves provide a natural mulch that helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate plant roots during the winter months. As leaves break down, they also add organic matter to the soil, improving its structure and fertility. Additionally, leaving leaves in your garden provides habitat for beneficial insects and other wildlife. By removing fallen leaves, you disrupt this natural cycle and may miss out on the benefits they provide to your garden.